THE final push is on to raise the last bit of cash to restore Paisley Abbey’s organ to its original glory.

The 135-year-old organ is one of the oldest and finest in the country but is in need of a major £420,000 overhaul to ensure its future.

Over the last two years, the Paisley Abbey Organ restoration project has raised a massive £350,000.

But with the work due to start in January, it is hoped that a final push can raise the full amount.

Provost Celia Lawson is backing the appeal.

She said: “The organ at Paisley Abbey is of huge importance to the cultural heritage of Renfrewshire and Scotland.

“It would be incredibly sad to let such a beautiful and historic instrument go on deteriorating to the point where it can no longer be used.

“This is a remarkable musical instrument appreciated not only by experts all over the world but also by anyone who has attended a concert or recital in the Abbey.

“I would urge people to make a donation, big or small, to the restoration project so that this magnificent organ can be enjoyed by future generations.”

Abbey minister, the Reverend Alan Birss, added: “The organ is an integral part of the life of the Abbey.

“People of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate it through concerts and recitals, radio broadcasts and recordings.

“Music students benefit from the opportunity to play it and young children on school trips enjoy the huge range of sounds the organ can produce.

“I hope that through the generous response of people to our appeal, this magnificent organ can be fully renovated and restored for the benefit of all who love and value music.”

French organ expert Aristide Cavaillé-Coll first built a two manual and pedal instrument in the nave of the Abbey in 1872.

In 1928, this was enlarged, and another major overhaul was carried out in 1968 under the supervision of Ralph Downes, one of the greatest British organ architects of the 20th Century.

However, after 40 years of constant use, the pipe work, wind system, flutes and reeds have deteriorated to such an extent that a major renovation is needed to guarantee the future heritage of the internationally renowned organ.

The restoration project would see these parts being carefully cleaned, overhauled and a new 32-foot Pedal Contre Bombarde section added, to complete Downes’ original vision for the organ.

Dr George McPhee has been director of Music at Paisley Abbey for 45 years.

He was previously the assistant organist at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh.

He said: “Having had to deal with an ailing instrument for several years, I look forward to the much-needed restoration when the full glories of the organ will again be there for all to hear.”

To find out more about how to donate to the appeal, phone the Abbey on 0141 889 7654.

Details are also available online at at www.paisleyabbey.org.uk/organ _appeal_1.html